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Memories & Candles

“I recently lost my mother and found Jere's obituary while on Rader's website. I worked for Jere for a few years while attending Pine Tree High...Read More »
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1 of 30 | Posted by: Jolene Hershberger Blaha - OH

“Martha, Sue Ann, Jon & Family, I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that you will feel God's support during your grief God Bless You All
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2 of 30 | Posted by: Carter Tucker - Longview, TX

“SUE ANN, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY THE LORD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU ON THIS DAY. LOVE, MARY AND JERRY
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4 of 30 | Posted by: MARY AND JERRY LANIER - DALLAS, TX

“Martha and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. As classmates, we knew early how special he was. Johnny...Read More »
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5 of 30 | Posted by: Johnny & Billie Ann Miller - TX

“"Now the laborer's task is o'er, now the battle day is past; now upon the farther shore, lands this voyager at last. Father in Thy gracious...Read More »
”
6 of 30 | Posted by: penny/mike macey - dallas, TX

“To the Ruff Family: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time, Farewell to a good friend and classmate of LHS 1953.
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7 of 30 | Posted by: Donald E. Brown - McKinney, TX

“Of all my cousins Jere and his twin Jon were/are my favorites. As a youngster my favorite vacation place was at their family lakehouse where they...Read More »
”
8 of 30 | Posted by: Jerry Levy - Lawrence, KS

“MARTHA, THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU & ALL OF YOUR FAMILY. knowing you & Jere just made everrythng about THE CORNERRSTONE CLASS AT FIRST...Read More »
”
9 of 30 | Posted by: Millie Harper - Longview, TX

“Goodbye to an old friend and high school classmate. Our thoughts and prayers are with Martha and the entire family at this time of great loss. May...Read More »
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10 of 30 | Posted by: J. R. & Mary Murray - Longview, TX

“Martha and Eric, I am so sorry for your loss. Oh, the many things I could say I can't begin to write them all down. I will miss the greetings we...Read More »
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11 of 30 | Posted by: Barbara Duncan - Longview, TX

“SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, JERE WAS SUCH A FINE GENTLE MAN HE WILL BE MISSED, THOUGHTS & PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILY.JO STILES
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12 of 30 | Posted by: JO STILES - LONGVIEW, TX

“Eric and Family, Our prayers and best wishes are for you at this time. May God grant you peace and comfort.
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13 of 30 | Posted by: Trey & Tammy Smith - Longview, TX

“Sue Anne, Remembering you and your family at this time and keeping each of you in prayer. Anne
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14 of 30 | Posted by: Anne Dupuy Barron - Houston,, TX

“Dear Martha, The Preacher said; to everything there is a time and season, a time to be born, and a time to die. Neil
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15 of 30 | Posted by: Dr. B. Neil marshall - Longview, TX

“WE ARE SO VERY SORRY ABOUT YOUR GREAT LOSS. TRULY AN OUTSTANDING GENTLEMAN. MAY GOD'S BLESSING BE UPON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
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16 of 30 | Posted by: BILL & CAROLYN SULLIVAN - TX

“When I think of Jere, I think of the stories that Frank would repeat to me..from the coffee bunch at Longview Drug Store and the wonderful...Read More »
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19 of 30 | Posted by: Bette Slade - Lake Cherokee, TX

“Eric and Martha, You are in my thoughts and prayers. May all the wonderful memories comfort you and bring peace knowing he is with the Lord forever...Read More »
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21 of 30 | Posted by: Carolyn Wyant Saathoff - Austin, TX

“Mrs. Ruff and Eric, I am saddened to hear of Mr. Ruff's passing. As you grieve your loss, know that he is not suffering any more. I fondly...Read More »
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23 of 30 | Posted by: Kathy Kaplan - The Woodlands, TX

“Sue Ann, Jane and I send our love and concern for you and all the family. May God give you peace in the midst of sorrow. Mitch & Jane Hackney
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24 of 30 | Posted by: MITCHELL HACKNEY - PLANO, TX

“Dear Family, We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Jere. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you now and in the future. Jere was such...Read More »
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25 of 30 | Posted by: Nancy & Jim Sawyer - Longview, TX

“Dear Martha & Family, We were shocked and saddened to hear of Jere's passing. He was a man of great character and was an amazing man to work...Read More »
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27 of 30 | Posted by: Murell & Tammy McCullough - OK

“Eric and family, I have years of memories of Mr. and Mrs. Ruff yelling us on during swim meets. No matter how we did, they met us at the end of...Read More »
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28 of 30 | Posted by: Tesa Wilson - Hallsville, TX

“Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this trying time. With love, Dot Maxwell Mike & Lynda Maxwell Kelly Maxwell R...Read More »
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29 of 30 | Posted by: The Maxwell Family - Longview, TX

“Dear ones, Our thoughts and prayers are with you over the loss of your loved one, Jere. We have grieved over losing him for a long time. Love...Read More »
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30 of 30 | Posted by: Linda R. Thomas - Longview,, TX

Sympathy Flowers

Memorial services for JereJ. Ruff, 73, of Longview, will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2009, at the First Christian Church with Dr. Richard Emerson and Dr. Jim Lewis officiating. Interment will follow in Memory Park. Jere went to be with his Savior Monday, September 14, 2009. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, at Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Jere was born December 26, 1935, in Longview, to Wilma Johnson Ruff and Glen Paxton Ruff. He was a 1953 graduate of Longview High School. In 1957, he received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Southern Methodist University where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After receiving his real estate broker's license, he joined his father at Ruff Realtors which was started in 1949. After many years of work in the commercial real estate industry, Jere pursued a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation which is achieved by only six percent (6%) of the commercial real estate practitioners nationwide. He continued to oversee the operations of his company for over 45 years. In addition to his real estate business, Jere was a Vice President of the First State Bank of Hallsville. He was a member of the Bank's loan committee and a member of the Bank's Board of Directors. The Bank is managed by Jere's twin brother, Jon. Civic participation was an important part of his life. He was a former board member of Juliette Fowler Homes in Dallas, a past Chairman of the Board of the Longview Christian Retirement Center and a Board Member of the National Benevolent Association of Christian Churches in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a former Board Member and Chairman of the Board of Longview Regional Medical center, a Board member and development council participant for the University of Texas at Tyler, Longview University Center, and a member of the Advisory Council for the Longview Museum of Fine Arts. Jere was appointed by Governor Clements to the Board of Regents for the Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in 1987. He served as Chairman of the Board from 1994-1995. He loved Longview and was a past President of the Longview Partnership. While acting as President and Chamber Member, he appeared locally and in Austin to further the interest of better highways for Gregg County and the State of Texas. He received the President's Award from the Longview Partnership for faithful unselfish service and dedication to improving the quality of life for all citizens of Longview. He was also named outstanding committee chairman for his long term service on the Transportation Committee. He received the Texas Highway Department Road Hand Award for "having proven ability and displayed stamina to toil long strenuous hours for Texas roads." Jere was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church of Longview (Disciples of Christ), and 40-year member of the Community Bible Class led by Bible Scholar Dr. Kenneth McKinley. Jere was an avid hunter and enjoyed travel and classical music. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Martha Bateman Ruff. He was blessed with his sons, JereJ. Ruff, Jr; Eric Glen Ruff and his wife, Lori, and their children: Lauren Camille, Juliana Paige, and Caroline Alexandra. He is also survived by his brother, Jon and his wife, Nancy; sisters Sue Ann Cocke and Mary Laura Ruff, brother-in-law Wayne Bateman, sister-in-law Edith Bateman, and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. The family is deeply grateful to his caregivers for their love and support, especially Carolyn Fisher, the staff at Hawkins Creek Memory Care, and Odyssey Hospice. The family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, P.O. Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD, 20871-1950, First Christian Church, Building Fund or a charity of your choice.

Memories & Candles

I recently lost my mother and found Jere's obituary while on Rader's website. I worked for Jere for a few years while attending Pine Tree High School until 1993. If it weren't for Jere's faith and encouragement in me, I don't think I would be where I am today. He gave me the head start that I needed to obtain the success and happiness that I currently share with my family. I am truly sorry for your loss.

Posted by: Jolene Hershberger Blaha - Cuyahoga Falls, OH Dec 30, 2009

Martha, Sue Ann, Jon & Family, I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that you will feel God's support during your grief God Bless You All

Posted by: Carter Tucker - Longview, TX Sep 18, 2009

Eric and family, My thoughts and prayers to you and your family on your loss.

Posted by: Elaine Shireman Reynolds - Longview, TX Sep 17, 2009

SUE ANN, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY THE LORD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU ON THIS DAY. LOVE, MARY AND JERRY

Posted by: MARY AND JERRY LANIER - DALLAS, TX Sep 17, 2009

Martha and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. As classmates, we knew early how special he was. Johnny speaks so often about all the fun times at the lake. May God bless you and give you the strength you need from day to day.

"Now the laborer's task is o'er, now the battle day is past; now upon the farther shore, lands this voyager at last. Father in Thy gracious keeping, leave we now Thy servant sleeping. Earth to earth and dust to dust' calmly now these words we say; left behind we wait in trust, for the Resurrection day. Father in Thy gracious keeping, leave we now Thy servant sleeping." Penny and Mike Macey send love and prayers to you this moment in your grief.

Posted by: penny/mike macey - dallas, TX Sep 17, 2009

To the Ruff Family: My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time, Farewell to a good friend and classmate of LHS 1953.

Posted by: Donald E. Brown - McKinney, TX Sep 17, 2009

Of all my cousins Jere and his twin Jon were/are my favorites. As a youngster my favorite vacation place was at their family lakehouse where they taught me how to sail. Although only 3 years older than me, I always thought they seemed really "grown up" and so mature for their ages. I really wish I could be there for the services, but as an active trial lawyer business is in the way of being able to travel to Longview.

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Of all my cousins Jere and his twin Jon were/are my favorites. As a youngster my favorite vacation place was at their family lakehouse where they taught me how to sail. Although only 3 years older than me, I always thought they seemed really "grown up" and so mature for their ages. I really wish I could be there for the services, but as an active trial lawyer business is in the way of being able to travel to Longview. My condolences to all of the family and I will always cherish my memories of Jere, even if he spelled his name funny.

Posted by: Jerry Levy - Lawrence, KS Sep 17, 2009

MARTHA, THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU & ALL OF YOUR FAMILY. knowing you & Jere just made everrythng about THE CORNERRSTONE CLASS AT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH BETTER. HE & I HAD SOME GREAT VISITS. IT HURT SO WHEN HE GOT SICK.EVERYONE LOVED JERE. I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BE WITH YOU BUT ALL OF YOU WILL BE ON MY HEART, I LOVE MARTHA & ALL HER PRECIOUS FAMILY

Posted by: Millie Harper - Longview, TX Sep 17, 2009

Goodbye to an old friend and high school classmate. Our thoughts and prayers are with Martha and the entire family at this time of great loss. May God be with you now and forever.

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